Sen. Julia Salazar

Requires all incarcerated individuals who do not have a high-school diploma or its equivalent to receive a reading proficiency level assessment and dyslexia screening upon intake by the department of corrections; requires for such individuals who perform below a certain proficiency level to be provided with intervention services that are evidence-based, effective and consistent with science-based research specifically tailored to addressing dyslexia.

Requires that any individual who is eligible for the Fair Fares NYC program and any person whose income is three hundred percent of the federal poverty level receive a fifty percent discount on trips using the Long Island Rail Road, paratransit services, New York city transit subways or buses, and/or Metro-North railroad; defines terms.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Saint Patrick and all persons of Irish descent on the occasion of Saint Patrick's Day on March 17, 2026, while also directing the Governor to proclaim March 2026 as Irish American Heritage Month in New York. The bill recognizes the historical contributions of Irish Americans to the state and nation through public service, military service, and cultural achievements, and acknowledges the traditions associated with the celebration. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a commemorative measure to recognize heritage and encourage the Governor to issue an official proclamation. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the Governor, the Archbishop of New York, and officials associated with the New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade.

Provides that the court shall not reduce jury awards as excessive in employment discrimination actions unless the court finds exceptional circumstances which compel the conclusion that the jury was influenced by partiality, prejudice, mistake or corruption.

Establishes the youth justice innovation fund to make funds available to community-based organizations for services and programs with the purpose of youth development and preventing youth arrest and incarceration.

Relates to available transportation for correction facility visitation; provides for at a minimum, bimonthly free transportation from the city of New York, Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo and Albany.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Family Protection Act, modifies New York State's family court procedures to strengthen protections for children in cases involving parental neglect or abandonment. It directly affects family court judges, child welfare agencies, and parents whose custody rights are being challenged. The key changes update the legal standards for terminating parental rights by clarifying when a parent's failure to maintain contact with their child constitutes neglect, requiring specific findings that reunification efforts would be in the child's best interest before permanently severing family ties. The legislation also standardizes how courts define and evaluate permanent neglect in petitions seeking to commit custody to authorized agencies. These amendments aim to ensure that family relationships are only severed when necessary and consistent with children's welfare.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most health insurance plans sold in the state to cover pharmacist-provided contraceptive services, such as counseling, prescribing, or dispensing. It directly affects health insurers and patients seeking contraceptive care through pharmacies. The key provision mandates that insurance policies include these specific services without extra costs to the patient. The bill passed the Senate in January 2026 and is now under review by the Assembly's Insurance committee.

Requires instruction in arts and music education to be incorporated into curriculums for all public school students; requires school districts to ensure that appropriately certified teachers are providing such education; authorizes rules and regulations consistent with such provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York's Department of Corrections to allow incarcerated individuals to make at least one free phone call to family or a chosen contact immediately before being transferred to a new facility, and another within 24 hours of arrival at the new facility. It applies directly to incarcerated people and their families or designated representatives. Exceptions only apply when making a call would create an unacceptable risk to safety or security, and the department must document such denials in writing. The law aims to maintain family connections during transfers while prioritizing facility safety.